September 2016

Just  two sessions with the Moth trap this month producing seven species , four of which were new records for the garden list marked with an asterix

The Snout *
Setaceous Hebrew Character *
Square Spot Rustic
The Clay *
Lunar Underwing (3) *
Lesser Bordered Yellow Underwing
Lesser Yellow Underwing

Lunar Underwing Omphaloscelis lunosa

Described as common in the southern half of the country, a variable species ranging from yellowish orange to dark brown, the contrasting pale veins and cross lines giving a netted appearance.

Flies from August to October. and regularly visits light traps. three different colour variations caught in trap.

Setaceous Hebrew Character  Xestia c-nigrum

Not hundred percent sure on this identification, confusion for me between  this the Setaceous Hebrew Character and another similar moth from the same family of Noctuidae, the Hebrew Character.

The Setaceous flies in small numbers in May and June, but more commonly in August - September
The Hebrew character flies in  a single generation during March and April.

As mine seen in September Setaceous looking best bet, The dark mark on the fore-wing can be seen below resembling the Hebrew character Nun

At least three caught in the trap all looking very similar, definitely leaning towards Setaceous Hebrew Character.

The Snout Hypena proboscidalis

A close view of this moth showing the huge proboscis makes identification quite easy, another common species that can be found all over Britain, flies from June to August and again later in the autumn, reported as common to the light trap.

The Clay Mythimna ferrago

I wasn't sure whether I had a White-Point or a Clay, having not seen either before. fortunately The Clay can be recognised by a black chevron on the underside of the abdomen, although this may just be on the male
Once again a common moth over most of the country, described as having a pink tinge to the forewings, couldn't quite make this out. but the black chevron could be clearly seen, so a nice male Clay.

Square-spot Rustic Xestia xanthographa

Described as very common, found throughout the country, flies in August to September and a frequent visitor to the light trap

Lesser Yellow Underwing Noctua comes

(diagram by eakringbirds.com)

I have been catching a few of these moths which I believe are Lesser Yellow Underwings, the wide range of variation does make this difficult to identify at first. the diagram below is helpful
They fly between July and October, attracted to light, another common moth.

Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing Noctua janthe

thorax showing sharply defined buff frontal area. 

Not a very good specimen, well worn, but  can just about make an identification as a Lesser Bordered Yellow Underwing, The thorax has a sharply defined buff frontal area.
Common especially in the south of the country, frequents  woodland, hedgerows and gardens flying between July to September.

Garden list beginning August 28th 2016

1.- Brimstone

2.-Yellow Shell

3.-Silver-Y

4.-Straw Underwing

5 - Small Square-Spot

6.- Square Spot Rustic

7.- Lesser Yellow underwing

8.- Uncertain !

9.- Common Wainscot

10.-Light Brown Apple Moth

11.- Lime-Speck Pug

12.- Double-Striped Pug

13.-Brown House moth

14.-Common Plume

Additions to Garden list :-   15/8/16

15. Common Carpet
16. Copper Underwing
17. Spectacle
18. Scalloped Oak
19.Lesser Bordered Yellow Underwing
20.  Bright line, Brown Eye
21. Jersey Tiger.

Additions -  September 2016

22. The Snout *

23. Setaceous Hebrew Character *
24. The Clay *
25. Lunar Underwing (3) *